Elke Schierer

Prof. Dr. Elke Schierer serves as Professor of Social Work with specialization in Child and Youth Welfare at the Evangelical University of Ludwigsburg since 2017. She concurrently holds the position of Director at the Institute for Anti-Discrimination and Diversity (IAD). Her academic responsibilities include teaching in the Bachelor's programs for Social Work & Diaconal Science and Religious Pedagogy & Social Work. Dr. Schierer maintains her office in Building B, first floor at the Ludwigsburg campus, with consultation hours available by appointment.

Her educational and professional journey began with Social Work studies (1988-1991), followed by extensive practical experience across multiple child and youth welfare sectors (1991-2002), including residential care, group work, outdoor education, general social services, and youth court assistance. She taught at DHBW Social Services Stuttgart (1993-2011), completed systemic supervision training (2001-2003), worked as a freelance supervisor (2002-2010), earned her Master's in Organizational Development and Leadership at EH Ludwigsburg (2006-2008), and directed a youth welfare facility (2008-2011) before assuming her current professorship.

Dr. Schierer's research examines the intersection of organizational structures and practical implementation in social work, with particular emphasis on child protection systems and participatory approaches in residential care settings. Her work investigates how institutional frameworks enable or constrain meaningful participation, especially for vulnerable populations. Recent scholarship shows increased attention to gender-specific perspectives in girls' social work and the impact of pandemic conditions on homelessness assistance networks. She employs both theoretical analysis and practical field research to bridge academic knowledge with frontline social service delivery.

Analysis of her publication record from 2017-2023 reveals evolving research priorities, with early work focusing on fragmented participation in residential care (2017), shifting toward institutional child protection mechanisms (2022), and most recently examining organizational frameworks that enable gender-reflective practices in girls' social work (2023). Her homelessness research demonstrates particular responsiveness to contemporary challenges, with two 2022 publications analyzing pandemic impacts on professional networks and service delivery for homeless populations.

Dr. Schierer leads significant research initiatives including 'New Elements in Homelessness Assistance' (KVJS 2019-2021) and 'Youth Welfare Research: Organizational and Professional Change in Youth Welfare.' Her teaching philosophy emphasizes practical transfer and development for child and youth welfare fields, maintaining strong collaborative relationships with public and private providers as well as professional associations in the sector. Her work consistently addresses the structural conditions that shape professional practice in social work contexts.